Pistoia was probably a chance site for human settlement in the beginning, later it became a Roman "oppidum" on the important "via Cassia", and was invaded and occupied many times, forming a mixture of races, customs and languages which has left traces in its toponimy and culture. Pistoia, in fact, is considered a city of Roman origin. The city flourished in the early middle ages, and after the Longobards it reached the peak of its development when it became established as a free Commune in the 12 th century (in fact its first statute is dated 1117). Pistoia grew in riches and strength, so much as to attract the opportunistic rivalry (and the hostility, too) of the near Florence. Florence finally subjugated Pistoia, but not without bloody and violent conflicts which continued for the whole 13th century.

CITY WALLS
As you can see looking at the geographic map of the city of Pistoia, it has 3 distinct square city walls which are the symbols of the expansion of the city in the centuries. The first circle which dates back to the 8 th century, built during the Lombardic domination when Pistoia had a more Germanic than Roman appearance. The second circle which dates back to the 12 th century, a symbol of the free city. The third circle built in the 14thcentury to enclose a large space.The artistic phisionomy of Pistoia is ,therefore, medieval, although it doesn’t lack notable works of the Renaissance and modern times. The historical monument centre of Pistoia (that you can see in the map) is the most important square of Pistoia.: Duomo Square. It has a superb frame of ancient and beautiful buildings, monuments and Churches namely the Cathedral and its Belfry, the Baptistery, the Town Hall, the Tribunal and old Bishop’s Palace.

The Cathedral
It dates back to the 5 th century and has been reconstructed several times. The façade, in Romanesque style, has 3 rows of loggias and a portico in marble decorated with Della Robbia terracotta. Inside the cathedral there are: the sepulchral monument of poet and jurist Cino da Pistoia ( 14 th century ); some excellent paintings and frescoes and the splendid altar dedicated to Saint James who was, from ancient times, "baron and lord" of Pistoia. The altar has silver bas reliefs and statues by the most celebrated goldsmiths of the 13, 14, 15 th centuries.

Tower "il campanile"
It is an ancient "guardingo"( a watch tower ) refined by Andrea Pisano. It has 3 rows of elegant small two – coulored loggias. The belfry is 64 metres high.It is one of the most beautiful towers in Italy.

The Baptistery
It was built by Pisano like the belfry. It is in white and green marble and it is octagonal in shape.

Ceppo Hospital
The hospital of Pistoia called " ceppo" (log hospital) is very famous for its elegant Renaissance portico along which a polychrome frieze runs, made by Giovanni Della Robbia. The frieze has glazed terracotta figures as in a "strip cartoon" that shows the performance of the works of that period.

The old legend says that Ceppo Hospital was born in the place where an old and rich married couple found a piece of wood, a log, (in Italian called CEPPO ) used in ancient times to warm houses. This event was the realization of what they had dreamed. They found this ceppo out of the city walls , along the river Brana, near the place where friars lived and took care of poor ill people. The old legend says that these friars helped the old married couple to realize their dream building this famous hospital.

The Town Hall
It was founded towards the end of the 13 th century. Inside the town hall you can find the Civic Museum and Michelucci Centre ( dedicated to this architect , who was born in Pistoia and produced many of his works there ).

The Tribunal
It was built in the 12 th century. Inside the tribunal there is a large courtyard adorned with historical paintings and designs.